Before visiting a state forest, it’s important to know about some of the potential hazards you may face and how you can stay safe. This includes hazards like:

  • bushfires
  • extreme weather
  • road or site closures.

To help you have a safe and enjoyable visit, we’ve put together some key information.

Bushfires

Victoria is one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world, particularly between November and March when it’s generally warmer.

Reduce your risk of being impacted by bushfire:

  • plan ahead and monitor the weather forecast and warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology.
  • avoid state forests on a day of an Extreme fire danger rating. All state forests will be closed in districts where a Catastrophic fire danger rating day has been declared.
  • visit VicEmergency or download the app for information about current fires, Total Fire Bans and to receive real-time emergency updates.

Storm and high wind events

It’s best to avoid being in forests during storm and high wind events due to the rare but potentially catastrophic risk of falling trees.
While statistically, death from limb and tree fall is incredibly low it is more likely during high wind and storm events.

You can reduce your risk by:

  • planning ahead and monitoring the weather forecast and warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology
  • get out from under canopy and seek open areas if caught in the forest during storm and high wind events. Remember, trees can be uprooted in high winds so try and get at least one tree length away from surrounding trees.

Planned burns

Managing bushfire risk is an ongoing responsibility all year round. When weather and forest conditions are suitable, Forest Fire Management Victoria carry out planned burns to reduce the potential size, intensity and impact of future bushfires on the community and environment.

When burns are underway, you may see or smell smoke or come across heavy machinery and other operational equipment and staff in some areas.

Check when and where planned burns are happening so these don’t impact your visit.

A team of forest firefighters look at a map beside a vehicle as part of planned burns preapration

Seasonal road closures

Many roads and tracks in Victoria’s state forests and parks are closed between June and November to protect the environment, as well as the safety of visitors.

Before you travel, check which roads are closed and the recreation sites impacted on the More to Explore app or the FFMVic website.

Campfires and BBQ safety

Campfires are allowed in state forests except on Total Fire Ban days. Consider whether you need a campfire and always follow our rules for campfire, stoves and BBQ safety. Don’t light a campfire on hot and windy days.

The rules applying to the use of campfires and BBQs in Victoria are actively enforced and significant penalties apply for non-compliance, including heavy penalties on Total Fire Ban days.

Bushfires are a very real threat in Victoria and can result in loss of life and property. Never leave a campfire unattended and make sure it’s fully extinguished before you leave, remember – if it’s cool to touch, it’s safe to leave.

Learn more about campfire safety:

A man in an FFMVic uniform speaks to two people sitting with their campfire. They are all smiling.

Choose recreation sites suited to your abilities

All tracks and trails are graded to help you choose one suited to your skills and abilities. Campgrounds which feature on this website are also rated as family-friendly, intermediate (for those with some experience) and advanced (for very experienced campers) to help you get prepared.

Find out more about what you can expect at our sites.

Activity safety tips

Be sure to know where you are going when travelling in state forests and the conditions to expect. If you are relying on mobile phone or online maps, always have a hard copy map as a backup in case your mobile phone loses service, is lost or is broken.

Most of the roads through Victoria’s forests and parks are unsealed dirt roads and are typically narrower than urban roads. Many are suitable for 4WD vehicles only.

See some of our other key saftey tips for activities in the forest.

  • Slow down when approaching corners and always keep to the left.
  • Our unsealed road network does not have marked lanes and many forest roads are narrow.
  • You should drive expecting oncoming traffic and remember that large trucks and 4WDs also use these roads.
  • Be aware of your limitations as well as your vehicle’s.
  • If you see that you can't easily drive down a road, turn back.
  • Do your research to understand the likely road conditions before you travel.
  • Have up-to-date maps to guide you to your destination.
  • Check for road closures. Many roads and tracks are seasonally closed to protect the roads from damage during the wetter months (typically from the long weekend in June through to the end of October) or can be closed due to road and bridge repairs.
  • Forest road closures can be viewed on the department’s Public Access MapShare website or in the More To Explore app – On these maps current road closures show as red lines and upcoming/proposed road closures show as purple lines.

Take sufficient supplies

  • Take water (at least 2 litres per person in summer) and some muesli bars or other snacks.
  • Take a fully charged mobile phone but be aware some regional areas may not have mobile reception.
  • Download the More To Explore app, which also works when out of mobile range, and learn how to use it before you go. A backup topographical map and compass are also advisable.
  • Protect yourself from the elements – pack a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and raincoat and wear sturdy, practical footwear. A first aid kit, torch and insect repellent are also recommended.

Let someone know before you go

If you are going on an unfamiliar walk or somewhere remote, it’s a good idea to let someone you trust know before you go so they can be your emergency contact. Useful information you should pass on to them includes:

  • Start time and date and expected return time and date
  • Walk location, route and any overnight stops
  • Names of people in your group and any medical conditions they may have and vehicles being taken, including their registration numbers
  • Details of equipment being carried on the walk

Considering a more challenging walk?

If considering a walk that will be more challenging for you, consider going with a club or with more experienced walkers.

Bushwalking Victoria is the peak group representing bushwalkers in Victoria and welcomes new members. Their Bushwalking manual provides comprehensive information guidelines and information for safe, enjoyable community-based bushwalking.

  • Never dive into water without first checking for hidden dangers like strong currents, submerged branches and rocks
  • Know the conditions and know your limits
  • Always wear a lifejacket when boating
  • Do not swim alone
  • Do not swim near or under waterfalls – strong currents can trap you underwater and not let you go.
  • Some rivers are subject to environmental releases from dams further upstream which can result in ‘high flow’ events, which may mean an increase in the height, width and speed of water flowing downstream from dams. Check conditions and know your limits before entering waterways.
  • You can check for current and planned environmental releases in the Carran Carran (Thomson), Wirn Wirndook Yeerung (Macalister), and Durt’Yowan (Latrobe) rivers on the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority website.

Check out Water Safety Victoria for further information on how to stay safe.

Waterway flooding can vary significantly in terms of cause, timing and depth between different locations.

Flash flooding can occur very quickly due to heavy rainfall and official warnings may not always come out immediately. For this reason, you should stay alert to weather conditions and river levels and continue to check weather updates and warnings when spending time near waterways.

  • Check the weather forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology
  • Check the Victoria SES local flood guide for the area you are heading to
  • Visit the VicEmergency website or download the app for any flood warnings and emergency information.
  • Never enter floodwaters and avoid areas impacted by storm and flood events while warnings are in place.
  • Take extra care when visiting areas after a flood event as they may be unsafe due to saturated soils, flood debris and blocked access tracks. Trees are also more likely to fall due to wet soil and high winds.

If a flood warning is issued by VicEmergency while you are camping, follow the advice and leave before the water starts to rise.

Learn more about flood warnings and how to stay safe if there's a flood.

Page last updated: 20/12/24